SNAP and CAT are both MBA entrance exams. However, CAT is a national-level exam offering admission into hundreds of colleges, whereas SNAP offers admission into 16 institutes under Symbiosis International Deemed University.
SNAP vs CAT: both are MBA entrance exams that provide admission to MBA and PGDM programs all over India. The Symbiosis National Aptitude Test (SNAP) is a management entrance test for admission to MBA/PGDM programs offered by any of the 16 constituent institutes of Symbiosis International Deemed University.
Whereas, the Common Admission Test (CAT) is a national-level MBA entrance exam that is used as a criterion for admission to MBA/PGDM programs in IIMs and other premier business schools in India. The SNAP and CAT difference has been detailed below.
SNAP vs CAT Overview
Both CAT and SNAP are MBA entrance exams, but some very distinct differences between both exams make them miles apart. The table below shows the SNAP vs CAT difficulty level and paper pattern differences and similarities.
| Particulars | CAT | SNAP |
| Administered by | Indian Institute of Management (Rotational) | Symbiosis International (Deemed) University |
| Duration | 60 Minutes | 120 Minutes |
| Difficulty | High | Moderate to High |
| Registration Fee | 2000 (INR) | 1750 (INR) |
| Acceptance | Indian Business Schools | Symbiosis International Deemed University |
Also Check: NMAT vs SNAP
Colleges Accepting SNAP and CAT Scores
Here is a list of colleges that accept SNAP scores as an admission criterion. However, candidates must note that the cutoff for all these colleges is on the higher side.
| Colleges Accepting SNAP Scores | Colleges Accepting CAT Scores |
| Symbiosis Centre for Information Technology | Indian Institutes of Management (IIM) |
| Symbiosis Centre for Management and Human Resource Development | Management Development Institute (MDI) |
| Symbiosis Institute of Business Management | Institute of Management Technology (IMT) |
| Symbiosis Institute of Business Management | Jagan Institute of Management Studies (JIMS) |
| Symbiosis Institute of Business Management | National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE) |
| Symbiosis Institute of Computer Studies & Research | Prin LN Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research |
| Symbiosis Institute of Digital And Telecom Management | Xavier Institute of Management Bhubaneswar (XIMB) |
| Symbiosis Institute of Health Sciences | Loyola Institute of Business Administration (LIBA) |
| Symbiosis Institute of International Business | Indian Institute of Forest Management (IIFM) |
| Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies | Department of Commerce, Delhi School of Economics (DMCDSE) |
| Symbiosis Institute of Media & Communication | T. A. Pai Management Institute - TAPMI |
| Symbiosis Institute of Operations Management | Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology |
| Symbiosis School for Media & Communication | Great Lakes Institute of Management (GLIM) |
| Symbiosis School of Banking and Finance | Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) |
| Symbiosis School of Sports Sciences | Indian Institute of Social Welfare & Business Management (IISWBM) |
CAT vs SNAP Exam Pattern
SNAP exam has its own set of distinct features as its conducting body, and Symbiosis International Deemed University has autonomy over the exam. The CAT exam is conducted for admissions to almost all top-ranked and reputed management institutes and business schools in India, making the competition fierce. Here is an overview of the exam pattern of SNAP vs CAT exam pattern.
| Particulars | SNAP | CAT |
| Mode of Examination | Computer-based | Computer-based |
| Language of Examination | English | English |
| Duration of Examination | 60 Minutes | 120 Minutes |
| Sections Included | General English | Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension |
| Analytical & Logical Reasoning | Data Interpretation | |
| Quantitative Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency | Logical Reasoning | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | ||
| Number of Questions | 60 | 100 |
| Total Marks | 60 | 228 |
| Marking Scheme | ‘- 0.25' for each incorrect answer | ‘+3' for correct MCQ answers'-1' for incorrect MCQ answers negative marking for Non-MCQ questions |
SNAP vs CAT Marking Scheme
In the SNAP Exam, for every correct question, there will be +1, and for every wrong answer, -0.25 marks will be deducted. Whereas in the CAT exam, each correct answer will award you +3 marks, and for every wrong answer, -1 mark will be deducted.
SNAP vs CAT Syllabus
Preparation for SNAP or CAT preparation, accomplishing either one successfully will require you to have a thorough knowledge of what is going to be assessed in both exams.
| SNAP Syllabus Topics | CAT Syllabus Topic |
|
General English
|
Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension
|
|
Quantitative Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency
|
Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning
|
|
Analytical & Logical Reasoning
|
Quantitative Aptitude
|
Admission Procedure for CAT and SNAP
For the SNAP exam, you will be shortlisted for Group Exercise, Personal Interaction, and Writing Ability Test (GE-PI/WAT) based on your SNAP result and overall percentile. You will be required to attend all GE-PI/WAT components/tests in order to be considered for admission to any PG program.
For the CAT exam, the IIMs will shortlist you based on the CAT score and the selection procedure, which you have detailed on the website. Group Discussion (GD), Written Ability Test (WAT), and Personal Interview (PI) will be part of the CAT selection procedure.
Following the details above, you can easily understand SNAP or CAT, which is easy. You must also go through the SNAP vs CAT percentile and cut off range to understand the score you must fetch to meet the minimum requirement.
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CAT: Administered by IIMs; SNAP: Symbiosis International University. -
CAT: 120 min duration, High difficulty; SNAP: 60 min, Moderate to High. -
CAT accepts IIMs & premier B-schools; SNAP for Symbiosis institutes. -
CAT registration fee: INR 2000; SNAP: INR 1750.
